Fire Department

Illinois State University students are tuning out fire alarm evacuation orders and taping over smoke detectors in campus dorms due to frequent fire alarms, raising concerns about whether students will respond when there is a real emergency.

A bad odor detected over a wide stretch of McLean County north of Bloomington-Normal came from a Nicor utility chemical release, according to the Hudson Fire Department. It's not related to the house explosion overnight in rural Bloomington.

Rural McLean County fire departments are getting a look at how drones can help them when fighting fires.

Two Normal Firefighters received the state's Medal of Valor for trying to rescue a child from a fire last year. The award is given to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty.

A pair of firefighters from Normal will be recognized for their acts of heroism during a rapid mobile home fire last November.

The union representing firefighters in the Town of Normal is giving up its request to add a fourth fire station. And the town is considering new traffic signal preemption technology that could cut 15-20 seconds off the average drive time to emergencies.

Cooksville Fire Department said the Longbranch Again bar is considered to be close to a total loss.

A blaze caused by an unattended cooking fire has left 20 Bloomington residents displaced, authorities say.

The various projects, including public infrastructure, water, sewer and parks, total $188 million of planned capital spending.

A debate is emerging about the optimum size of the Normal Fire Department and the positioning of fire stations.